Choosing the right college can seem overwhelming. Planning and preparing can pave the way for a smoother and less stressful transition.
JUNIOR YEAR suggested tasks:
• Review course choices to ensure that you will get all credits needed for graduation.
• Sign up for the PSAT. (CCS juniors do not have to sign up for this test as it is offered to all juniors each year.)
• Take the PSAT .
• Begin thoughtful consideration of potential career and college choices
• Review PSAT results, based on these results, there may be a desire to sign up for an SAT/ACT prep class prior to taking the SAT or ACT in the spring.
• Begin researching financial aide resources
• Research potential career and college choices
• Attend your spring junior meeting with your Guidance Counselor
• Register for the March, April, or June SAT or ACT
• Plan a college visit, or shadowing experience with someone in a career field of interest.
• As a junior or senior, you can avoid travel expense and hassles while still getting valuable college information by attending area college fairs. College fairs are typically held in the fall and spring of the year, and are announced through the Guidance Office as well as in area newspapers.
• Another way to avoid travel, but gather data, is to use the Internet and take a virtual tour of college campuses. Websites such as ecampustours.com can offer pictorial tours on-line to help give students information about a college.
• Eventually, it is a good plan to spend some time on the campus which your child is planning to attend. Colleges often have “College Visit Days” which are Open House times set up to show off the campus and answer the questions of potential students. If those times do not work with your schedule, contact the Admissions Office to ask about setting up a personal tour time.
SENIOR YEAR suggested timeline:
FALL:
• Check your class schedule to make sure that you have all necessary credits for graduation.
• Begin narrowing your list of college choices down to 2-5.
• Check admissions and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you plan to apply.
• Begin completing college applications. Apply on time.
• Write and edit a application essays.
• Obtain any necessary letters of recommendation.
• Register to take the ACT or SAT as needed.
• Take an SAT/ACT prep class if needed prior to re-taking either test.
• Attend the Fall senior meeting with your Guidance Counselor
• Attend an area college fair if you are still unsure of your college choices.
• Contact your Guidance Counselor to have your transcript sent to the colleges to which you are applying.
• For students who are planning to play college sports, register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
WINTER:
• Continue the application process.
• Fill out FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
• Continue scholarship search
• Request mid-year transcript to be sent to schools of interest and NCAA Clearinghouse if necessary.
SPRING:
• Review acceptances and compare financial aid packages.
• Make final decisions.